Bowling House Reviews Summary

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "The staff, whose names I regrettably didn't ask for, were exceptional hosts throughout our visit."
• "Also the bar manager was so kind and helpful helping me pick cocktails out for my party."
• "All the staff really friendly and helpful and we loved the bowling."
• "Staff were fantastic, so helpful and nothing was too much trouble!"
• "Staff couldn’t have been more accommodating."
• "The staff are amazing and the milkshakes are to die for."
• "The team are all really friendly and helpful and very accommodating to any changes in the booking & dietary requirements."
• "Very friendly and helpful team, despite being very busy nothing was too much trouble."

Cons:

• "Poor staff, poor atmosphere, disappointment all round."
• "The person at the reception desk was quite rude and unwelcoming."
• "Staff were very polite and accommodating but could have done with not having to search them out for stuff."
• "The staff haven't a clue what's going on, the managers don't really care about customers."

Food and Drink Quality

Pros:

• "The burgers were expertly crafted and tasted far better than I’ve had for a while."
• "Great beers and excellent real ale choice. Best vegan burger I’ve had in Norwich."
• "The food was served promptly, in good quantity, and was all absolutely delicious."
• "Food was just incredible!!! A huge thank you to all involved in making his party very special!"
• "Great food (including vegan options), friendly staff, nice atmosphere and fun bowling."
• "The menu had interesting choices and it was not what you'd expect from a bowling alley - everything was freshly handmade, good quality and delicious......"
• "The food is excellent modern type of food with interesting flavours and good presentation."
• "Amazing food, great atmosphere and cracking bowling!!!"

Cons:

• "Food good but overpriced for what it is, as are drinks."
• "Food was average at very best and very expensive, especially drink wise, for what it was!"
• "The food is all pretty fresh and tastes nice, the cocktails are excellent too. But there are not all that many options for main dishes on the menu."
• "Food was ok, but portions were small and it was a bit pricey for what you got. No variety especially if you're vegan/vegetarian."

Atmosphere and Decor

Pros:

• "From the enjoyable and laid-back bowling experience to the inviting atmosphere."
• "Incredible arty place with fun and community as well as food first, bowling second."
• "Quirky and retro bowling experience. Absolutely loved it."
• "The atmosphere and friendliness of staff was spot on."
• "The decor is spot on, the beers tasty, and the food excellent."
• "The venue itself is beautifully decorated and much nicer and more 'adult-friendly' than most bowling alleys!"
• "Loved the food, decor, short-lane bowling experience. Fab for kids and adults."
• "This place is simply fantastic. Great bowling, some really cool events, amazing food, cracking tunes, good beer, cocktails, karaoke, amazing food."

Cons:

• "The place is a bit rough and ready but no complaints."
• "Would be better to be able to book games rather than time as we ran out of time on our second game."
• "The pins are on strings so they are set out old school. It's not mega busy like a regular bowling alley and so more social with drinks etc. The drinks are rather overpriced though."
• "Not what I expected, only 5 lanes which were actually only about 60% long compared with a proper alley, pins were string loaded."

Value and Pricing

Pros:

• "The cocktails were of a really high standard and great value."
• "We had food afterwards which was great value & very filling."
• "The food was served perfectly on time as we finished our game and was excellent. There was so much and we were just left to catch up and chat."
• "Great evening out, bowling great for beginners, -less experienced. Food very good one if the tastiest meals I have had out for a long time."

Cons:

• "£5 for a bottle of soda water is silly."
• "Food good but overpriced for what it is, as are drinks."
• "Food was average at very best and very expensive, especially drink wise, for what it was!"
• "The drinks are rather overpriced though."

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Pros:

• "Carers get free entry which was very helpful."
• "Nice outside area close to bowling lanes so my daughters could access this easily during bowling to reduce sensory overwhelm."
• "We celebrated my sons 30th birthday party here. He is special needs and a full time wheelchair user! It was all totally accessible."

Cons:

• "Bowling screens... if the current bowler's name and score could be made larger, those with sight impairment could see their name from the seating area."
• "The slope leading to the lanes (passing the bar) needs a touch more light."

Event Organization and Planning

Pros:

• "After 11 months, we finally got to celebrate our marriage at the Bowling House and wow...it was worth the wait!"
• "We booked our wedding reception at the Bowling House before the pandemic, Jack and his team did a fantastic job of looking after us throughout the planning process."
• "I organised an event at the bowling House for 7, the team were super helpful in organising."
• "We booked a staff evening for 40 of us including bowling, karaoke and a buffet. Jack & the rest of the team were brilliant and everything ran perfectly."

Cons:

• "Staff were all very polite and friendly but clearly struggling with a busy evening (possibly understaffed that night)."
• "We booked bowling, but didn’t book a bowl and dine deal which meant our food was late out."
• "Work night out in the Karaoke room. Several teething problems.... bar till took a while to set up. The karaoke link up went off at one point."
• "We had an hour booked and almost finished our second game when it cut out, they should provide warnings for when your hour is going to run out."